IBM Support

How to Collect Snap From a PowerVM Virtual I/O Server (VIOS)

Question & Answer


Question

How can I collect a snap from a PowerVM Virtual I/O server (VIOS)?

Cause

This technote describes how to capture snap data from a VIOS.
Issues on dual VIOS environment may require additional data. See Related URLs or contact your local IBM Support Representative for more details.

Answer

This applies to VIOS 3.1 and 4.1

1. Login to the VIOS, as padmin, and run:

  • $ snap
  • Upon completion, this will create /home/padmin/snap.pax.Z. If this file exists prior to running snap command, it will be automatically overwritten.
  • For VIOS snap issues, see Troubleshooting VIOS Snap Command Issues

2. Rename the compressed file to reflect your Support Case using the following naming convention:

  • $ mv snap.pax.Z TS<xxxxxxxxx>.VIOS_partition_name.snap.pax.Z
  • This is the file you need to submit. 
  • Ensure the filename ends with "snap.pax.Z"
  • For example, if your Support Case ID is TS123456789, you would run: "mv snap.pax.Z TS123456789.<VIOS_partition_name>.snap.pax.Z

3. Where to Submit the Testcase
 

[{"Business Unit":{"code":"BU058","label":"IBM Infrastructure w\/TPS"},"Product":{"code":"SSPHKW","label":"PowerVM Virtual I\/O Server"},"ARM Category":[{"code":"a8m50000000L0LBAA0","label":"PowerVM VIOS-\u003ETESTCASE"}],"ARM Case Number":"","Platform":[{"code":"PF025","label":"Platform Independent"}],"Version":"All Version(s)","Line of Business":{"code":"LOB57","label":"Power"}}]

Document Information

Modified date:
08 October 2026

UID

isg3T1013064

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